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Top 20 Facts about Eddie Murphy

*Originally published by Diane C in November 2022 updated by Diane C in January 2024

Going by his full name Edward Regan Murphy, Eddie is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and singer. Eddie has graced us with his comedy presence since 1980. It was his role as a regular cast member on the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live that propelled him to fame.

Eddie was born to Lilian Lynch and Charles Edward Murphy in Brooklyn, New York. This was in the year 1961. From an early age, Eddie’s sense of humor set him apart from his classmates. At age 15, he worked as a stand up comedian. And when he was 19, Eddie had a contract for the Not-Ready-For-Prime-Time Players of Saturday Night Live (1975). From this period on, Eddie was a hit acting in films, doing comedy and producing. Eddie Murphy continues to shine in the entertainment industry. Here are the Top 10 Facts about Eddie Murphy.

1. He had a traumatic childhood

Photo by Ellen Jaskol. .

Eddie Murphy was born in Brooklyn. While his mother was a telephone operator, his father was a policeman and an amateur actor/comedian. His parents separated when he was 3 years old and 5 years later his father was murdered. At the same time, Eddie’s mother fell sick.

Together with his brother, Eddie was taken into foster care. Eddie gives tribute to the year they lived in foster care as being influential to his comedy. Later on, Eddie and his brother were raised in Roosevelt by his mother and his stepfather, Vernon Lynch.

2. He has 10 children

In 1980s, Eddie was in a relationship with Paulette McNeely and Tamara Hood. Eddie got two sons, Eric and Christian, by the two ladies. Thereafter, Eddie began a long-term relationship with Nicole Mitchel whom he met in the NAACP Image Awards show. They got married in 1993 in New York.

Murphy and Mitchell had five children together: Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola, and Bella. In 2005 the couple got divorced citing irreconcilable differences. In 2006, Murphy began dating Melanie Brown, who became pregnant with Angel Iris, Eddie’s daughter. And in In May 2016, Murphy had a daughter, Izzy, by Australian model Paige Butcher. The two had been dating since 2012. Later on they also got a son, Max.

3. He was arrested for soliciting in 1997

On May 2, 1997, Murphy was stopped by police after having he was seen picking up a transexual prostitute. The prostitute, Atisone Seiuli, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for prostitution.

Murphy was not arrested or charged and claimed he was just giving Seiuli a ride. “She asked him for a ride, and Eddie did so, like he had helped people in the past,” Block his publicist said. Seiuli was sentenced to 90 days at the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail.

4. He was awarded the 2015 Mark Twain Award for American Humor

Photo by A.F. Bradley, New York..

鈥淭he Mark Twain Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist best known as Mark Twain.” This is a yearly event.

The 2015 Mark Twain Award for American Humour was given to Eddie Murphy. 鈥淚 am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Kennedy Center and to join the distinguished list of past recipients of this award,鈥� Murphy said in his speech at the event.

5. He has played several characters in one film

Playing multiple characters within the same film has become something of a trademark for Murphy throughout his career. The first time he ever took on multiple roles within the same film was in the film Coming to America.

Here, he acted as Prince Akeem Joffe, Randy Watson of Sexual Chocolate, Saul, the Jewish barbershop customer, and Clarence, the owner of the barber shop. He has done the same in The Nutty Professor I and II, Meet Dave, Norbit and Bowfinger. In the 1996 remake of The Nutty Professor, Eddie Murphy played seven characters in the film, including the main character Sherman Klump, his alter ego Buddy Love, and Sherman’s entire family.

6. Eddie has a fear for live animals

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Murphy has a fear of live animals, which made his role as Dr. Doolittle difficult. While filming, Murphy insisted that as many animals as possible be superimposed in post-production.

Although not always possible, many of the shots featuring animals were added after the fact using blue screens. While the film鈥檚 editors were able to accommodate the request to some extent, there were times when Murphy had to film with his animal co-stars, resulting in the shots frequently ending with him screaming.

7. He began his comedy at an early age

From a young age, Eddie imitated Peter Sellers and played several characters. His decision to be a comedian was solidified after he listened to Richard Pryor’s comedy album That Nigger’s Crazy. Attending Roosevelt Junior-Senior High School, Eddie told jokes at lunch and put on talent performances in the school auditorium.

This acts made him the most popular student. By the time he was 15, he was performing stand-up in the lower part of New York City. He won over audiences with his adventurous and smart view of  life and spot-on celebrity impression.

8. His first lead role was in Beverly Hills Cop

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This was his first solo lead role which he earned after Sylvester Stallone quit weeks before filming began. The movie was about a young cop from Detroit pursuing his friends鈥� murderers. The film was a box office hit.

Beverly Hills Cop became the highest-grossing 鈥淩鈥� rated film of all time. It was also the highest-grossing comedy with a box office total of $230 million. Further, it was the highest-grossing grossing film of 1984 and earned Murphy his third consecutive Golden Globe nomination.

9. He was the last actor to sign an exclusive deal with Paramount Pictures

It was common practice in Vintage Hollywood for actors to sign exclusive deals with movie studios. Eddie Murphy was one of the last to sign such a deal in the 1980s with Paramount Pictures. He signed two deals with Paramount, in 1984 and 1987.

The first was a renegotiation of a contract Murphy signed in 1983 and included five-film deal and a concert movie. The one in 1987 was similar, with him signing on for five feature films and other television projects. The only difference was that his production company was given control over the films and any other projects.

10. He was paid one million dollars on his first film

Photo by Andrew Magili. .

At 21, Eddie Murphy made his first feature film debut alongside Nick Nolte in 1982鈥檚 48 Hrs. The film, which focuses on a cop and convict duo who team up to catch two cop-killers, was a box office success and is considered one of the best films of 1982.

While many actors are used to earning a smaller paycheck for their early roles, Murphy stands out, as he was paid $1 million for his appearance, making him the first actor to receive such an amount for their first film. 48 Hrs. 

11. He takes time to create awareness on matters HIV/AIDS

Murphy has been actively involved with the AIDS Foundation, donating funds and raising awareness for the fight against HIV/AIDS. Murphy’s personal connection to the AIDS crisis fueled his involvement. His close friend and fellow comedian, Arnel Schwerner, passed away from AIDS in 1990, deeply affecting him. He became a vocal advocate for AIDS awareness and prevention, appearing in educational campaigns and using his platform to destigmatize the disease.

12. He is a strong supporter of the Special Olympics

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Murphy’s dedication to the Special Olympics stems from his belief in equal opportunities and celebrating abilities. He recognizes the power of sports in promoting inclusion and building confidence in individuals with intellectual disabilities. He has regularly participated in Special Olympics events, including basketball games and charity galas. His presence attracts media attention and raises awareness for the organization’s mission. Murphy supports projects like the Unified Sports program, which pairs athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, fostering understanding and camaraderie.

13. Murphy was given the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 2023, Murphy was honored with the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, a lifetime achievement award recognizing his extraordinary impact on the entertainment industry. This accolade solidified his status as a true entertainment legend. Established in 1952, the Cecil B. DeMille Award is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, recognizing “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.”

14. Murphy is a musician

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Murphy isn’t just a funnyman; he’s also a musician. He released several albums, including the commercially successful “Love’s Alright” (1985), showcasing his singing and songwriting skills. The album featured hit singles like “Party All the Time” and “Put My Name on It,” further solidifying his pop culture presence. Murphy’s musical style often blended humor with catchy melodies and danceable rhythms. 

15. He is an extremely talented voice actor

Murphy brought his comedic brilliance to the world of animation, lending his voice to the lovable Donkey in the “Shrek” franchise. His energetic performance, signature catchphrases (“I need a vacation!”) and perfect comic timing made Donkey a fan favorite, adding another layer to his multifaceted career.

Murphy’s success as Donkey paved the way for other comedic actors to excel in voice acting roles. He demonstrated the power of humor and emotional depth in animated characters, opening doors for a new generation of talent.

16. He is the king of Box Office

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With hits like “Coming to America” and “Dr. Dolittle” (1998), Murphy became one of the highest-grossing actors of all time. His films have grossed over $6 billion worldwide, cementing his status as a Hollywood A-lister and proving his commercial appeal across genres and demographics.

17. Murphy was the youngest cast member in SNL 

In 1980, at the tender age of 19, Murphy landed a coveted spot on Saturday Night Live, becoming the show’s youngest cast member ever. His fearless humor and spot-on impersonations of celebrities like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Buckwheat from “The Little Rascals” quickly made him an audience favorite. He brought fresh energy and a raw edge to the show, pushing boundaries and redefining sketch comedy for a new generation.

18. His stand-up comedy was often controversial

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 Murphy’s stand-up routines were often edgy and controversial, tackling social issues like racial prejudice and police brutality with unfiltered wit. He wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo and skewer sacred cows, sometimes drawing criticism for his boldness. However, his comedic genius and undeniable stage presence couldn’t be denied. He redefined comedy in the 80s, paving the way for comedians like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle to explore social commentary through humor.

19. His debut “48 Hrs” opened doors for him in Hollywood

Murphy’s film debut in 1982’s “48 Hrs.” alongside Nick Nolte was a game-changer. The action-comedy blend perfectly suited his charisma and comedic timing, and the film became a box office smash. This success opened doors in Hollywood, leading to iconic roles in “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984) and “Coming to America” (1988), further solidifying his status as a comedy megastar.

20. Mentoring the next generation

Recognizing the importance of passing down the torch, Murphy has actively sought to mentor and support up-and-coming comedians. He provides insightful advice, encouragement, and opportunities, creating a legacy that extends beyond his own performances.